Questions about ID / IC nursing

[Chrish0204]

I am currently in an accelerated MSN-CNL program and we're getting close to the pre-licensure capstone. I have been thinking of trying to do this in either infection control. I know there are quite a few other threads about this stuff but none of them really answered my questions exactly. If anyone with experience in either or both of these areas could give me some insight, I would really appreciate it. Everyone thinks I'm silly for looking into IC because they think its boring.

For infection control nursing:

1) How "clinical" is this job? Is there a lot of / any patient contact? What is the balance of clinical vs. administrative / bureaucratic stuff compared to an average med-surg job?

2) One of the attractions I see in this area is that it seems like it might be intellectually stimulating / rewarding. Is this true? Or is it more just like making sure everyone washes their hands? Obviously every job has boring parts, so I guess I would be comparing it to an average med-surg position.

3) What kind of role is there for APNs is there (especially a CNS with a relevant specialty)? Also, could one springboard from this job into a nurse epidemiology role later in their career?

4) For people that are in IC or have worked in IC, can you describe a typical day? What kinds of projects do you work on? What sort of autonomy do you have? Do you get to use creative solutions? Is there a teamwork aspect to it (something I like about the places I've worked on as a student is the strong teamwork aspect they have had)?

Thanks for any responses. This area is something that caught my imagination early on but I've never got to see it up close, so it would be great to have some first-hand insight.

EDIT: I labeled this post "Questions about ID / IC nursing" but I am actually just asking about IC for the most part, unless someone has something to add about how they connect.

[LaxNP, DNP]

This is the role I am currently in at a lvl 1 trauma center. There are a ton of specifics of the job that are great and others that are horrible. Message me and I can give you the low down.

[Chrish0204]

Hey LaxNurse, thanks for the offer to help. I haven't made the posting threshold to be able to PM people on allnurse (I mostly just lurk). Maybe you can try PMing me?

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

I don't think you're silly. :)

We had one of the early cases of VISA on our floor years ago, had CDC people come to visit and everything. I thought it was fascinating. I love learning about bugs...micro was my favorite science pre-req.

[LaxNP, DNP]

Sent you a PM. Let me know if it doesn't go through.

[Chrish0204]

Hey LaxNurse, thanks for the PM. The site won't let me respond (still haven't made enough responses). One specific question I did have is if there is an APN role at all in IC? Also, how "nursey" do you feel? By that I suppose I mean do you feel like you are really making use of a nursing education, or is a lot of what you've learned on the job / from other places? I know that is a vague question so you can answer it however you like!